FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 21, 2003
CONTACT: Kathalyn Gaither, (850) 245-2118
Historic Wakulla Springs Lodge To Again
Reflect
Times Of Past
-- $20,000 presented to “back-date”
lobby furnishings --
WAKULLA – Visitors to the historic lodge at Wakulla Springs
State Park will soon step back in time to the early 20th
century. Department of Environmental Protection Secretary David
B. Struhs today presented the park with $20,000 to begin
restoring lobby furnishings that, when complete, will reflect
the original 1900’s design.
“This beautiful park attracts more than 175,000 visitors
each year,” said Secretary David B. Struhs. “One of the
consequences of being so popular is that furnishings get more
than the normal wear and tear. Providing the park with seed
money will help restore and preserve the lodge’s original
character and charm -- both inside and out.”
Built in 1937, this cultural landmark is a large part of the
near 6,000-acre world-class state park, which includes one of
the world's largest and deepest fresh water springs. The
original 2,680-acres of Wakulla Springs State Park and the
historical Mediterranean-style architecture are listed on the
National Register of Historic Places.
Over the course of decades, the lodge’s original décor was
replaced with contemporary styles. As part of a series of
improvements, much of the building’s exterior and foundation
were recently renovated to capture the authentic architectural
style.
With the help of the park’s citizen support organization,
the Florida Park Service is already breathing new life into the
North Florida attraction. Recent interior upgrades include a
restored ceiling, refurbished guest rooms, a new energy
efficient air conditioning and heating system, restored original
windows in guest rooms, new stairs for safer access and a
renovated kitchen. Outside enhancements include restoring the
waterfront building, renovating bathrooms, installing a new
state-of-the-art sewage collection system and upgrading the
parking area.
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Press Office
